Bielecki becomes determined to become a famous writer, but the means he employs in achieving his goal are far from ethical. Bielecki discourages his friend Jerzy Gorski by telling him his new work is rather poor, driving him into despair. But Bielecki is such a good friend that he even provides Gorski with the morphine so he can overdose too. With Gorski out of the way, Bielecki can now peddle his friend's book as his own. However, it doesn't take long for Bielecki's evil ways to catch up to him.

Set in the 19th century Warsaw. The indolence of aristocrats who, secure with their pensions, are too lazy to undertake new business risks, frustrates Wokulski. His ability to make money is respected but his lack of family and social rank is condescended to. Because of his "help" (in secret) to "the doll's" impecunious but influential father, the girl becomes aware of his affection.

Joanna, the daughter of quite wealthy traders from the Różycki bazaar, is in love with Andrzej, a young, talented, but poor painter. However, the girl's father, Kazimierz Burczyk, decides to find a suitable husband for her himself. A shrewd tradesman, unwilling to disclose his income, searches for a candidate whose professional position would justify his possession of a villa, a car and many other material possessions. In the end, his choice falls on Andrew, who is unsuccessfully trying to sell paintings under the walls of Warsaw's Barbican.